Kroger Announces 'Hero Bonus' For Employees Working On The Front Lines

Kroger has announced it will be paying a "Hero Bonus" to all its front-line employees who are working during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Newsweek reported.

The supermarket chain is offering all of its workers a $2 pay bonus for hours worked March 29 through April 18, which will be disbursed weekly.

Kroger's chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen praised employees for their tireless work during this time.

Instagram | @jrvarsity

"Our associates have displayed the true actions of a hero, working tirelessly on the frontlines to ensure everyone has access to affordable, fresh food and essentials during this national emergency," he said in a press release.

He continued, "The Hero Bonus is just one more way we continue to convey our thanks and gratitude not only to our existing associates but also to the more than 30,000 new hires who have joined in the past two weeks and those who will soon join the Kroger Family of Companies."

Load Comments

McMullen said Kroger is also taking a number of other steps to protect its staff during the ongoing outbreak.

Instagram | @briansgaragetv

These include enhancing sanitation practices (i.e.: cleaning commonly used areas), permitting protective masks and gloves for employees, encouraging social distancing with floor decals, adjusting store hours so workers can clean and rest, and also expanding its pick-up and delivery services.

Additionally, Kroger is providing its employees affected by COVID-19 with emergency paid leave, and have made $5 million available to support those facing other difficulties at this time, such as lack of child care.

Load Comments

The "Hero Bonus" comes on the heels of the company's previous announcement regarding one-time bonuses.

Instagram | @ngocphamtorres

On March 21, Kroger revealed front-line associates would be receiving an appreciation bonus amounting to $300 for every full-time employee, and $150 for every part-time employee which will cover the payroll period of March 8 to 28.

That bonus will be paid on April 3.

Information about the coronavirus pandemic is rapidly changing and Diply is committed to providing the most recent data as it becomes available. Some of the information in this story may have changed since publication, and we encourage readers to use online resources from CDC and WHO to stay up to date on the latest information surrounding COVID-19.